Under 15 2013/14 Division 1 Match Reports

League at home to Ringmahon Rangers on Monday 19th May 2014Midleton 3 Ringmahon Rangers 0 Midleton took on Ringmahon without the stress and nerves that have been showing the last few games as newly promoted champions and what a difference without the nerves they play some of the best football they have played all season and kept a clean goal sheet with a confident Conor O'Farrell in goal they started very confident and moved the ball around with ease and 15 mins into the game Mathew Lamb puts a ball through to Ciaran Newlands who was coming in from the right side he took a touch as he was running in and then blasted it into top corner the keeper had no chance and it was 1-0 Midleton then Mathew lamb scored from a free kick outside the box struck it hard and it had the keeper beat he had no chance And a goal the last goal came late in the 2nd half Newlands takes a gree kick from the right side and Sean O'Leary Hayes was standing to the centeof him at the halfway line so instead of crossing it over to the box he latex it off to unmarked O'Leary Hayes who drove forward with it and blasted it outside the box and straight into the back of the net. Great result and three more points for the champions.

League at home to Bandon on Saturday 17th May 2014Midleton 3 Bandon 1 Midleton were crowned league champions with two games to go when they came from behind to beat Bandon 3 v 1 at Knockgriffin Park. Congratulations to all the team and management of Benny Newlands and Damien, Nestor. Fantastic achievement by everyone involved. Well done again.

Midleton under 15 were ready to play the most important game of their time playing in the Cork schoolboys league, most of these lads in fact 80% have played as friends and team mates since the age of 8 and the other 20% have joined the team through the years, since competing in the competitive leagues these lads have progressed every year never once did they go backwards alway going forward every season but never manage to win a winners league medal they did come runners up at under 11 and here they are taking on Bandon needing three points to win the under 15 div 1 League title and what a day it was, the hottest day of the year so. The lads were up for this one but they were very nervous and Midleton's last three games they have conceded a goal to go behind in the 1st 15 mins So as kick off got underway Midleton game plan was to get the ball into the Bandon half of the field and keep it there as long as possible till they got their composure together and the game plan was working for the first 12 mins and then Bandon got a break going forward the Midleton centre back tried to clear it but he sliced the ball and it went out for a corner Bandon take the Corner and again Midleton let slip and lose a goal in the 1st 15 mins they like to do things the hard way. But the lads have been here before and they got their heads up kept their cool and took control of the game they started to make chances opening up gaps in the Bandon defence Mathew Lamb came close taking a shot outside the box and rattling the crossbar then Adam Wilson had a one to one with the goalkeeper but to no avail and then Ciaran Newlands came close with a volley running in at the back post but sliced it wide but they were creating chances they just had to calm down and compose themselves a bit more.

As the 2nd half got under way Midleton kept the pressure on Bandon but The breaks just were not falling for them you could see tiredness getting in They had run their socks off since kick off and in that heat it was going to catch up with them but they never stopped once 15 mins into the 2nd half Midleton made changes brought on Tommy O\'Connell for Adam Wilson and with his fresh legs this made a difference straight away 5 min later Midleton get their break the ball is put into the box there's a bit of a scramble and it falls to Andrew Nestor he hits it half volley into the back of the net and Midleton are back in the game what a relief Nestor has a habit of being in the right place at the right time and there was no better time than this I knew if Midleton got one they would get more and 5 mins later Newlands gets the ball down the right sends it across and over to the middle of the box and Matt lamb was there to hit it first time into the back of the net 2-1 Midleton . There was still work to do and Midleton really had to put it to bed they couldn't sit back and bring Bandon onto them there was still 15 mins left so they brought on Cormac Higgins moved a few positions and took off goal scorer Andrew Nestor moving Cahill Gunning up to the left midfield and with his burst of speed Midleton thought this could cause Bandon problems and how right they were 10 mins to go and Cahill picks the ball up outside the box drives into the box with burst of pace and fires it into the corner great goal and it was 3-1 Midleton and it was tim to settle down sit back a bit especially around the midfield area and see down the clock it felt like ages but the whisle went and the lads had one the league what a result and truly deserved the celebration started there are no special mentions everyone today gave there all and never gave up they where all man of the match a special mention to the coaches Damian Nestor Who has been there from the start giving his time and contribution and Steve Wilson who has played a massive part in there development he has been there all along and only left into the start of the season due to work commitments and this was not done in one season as was said early this team has been progressing since under 11 well done lads

League away to Passage Unitedon Thursday 15th May 2014 Passage United 2 Midleton 2 A great evening for football as Midleton headed off on the bus to take on Passage what a difference five days can make with the weather as the sun shinned late into the evening . The game got under way and again Midleton fell into the same old trap falling asleep in the first ten minutes Passage scored less than 5 minutes into the game just unbelievable defending sorry but this is just 5th div stuff they are just not taking it in and passage could have scored another two in the first ten mins but with a lot of panicking and a bit of luck we survived, it was 15 mins into the game before Midleton got a bit of composure to their game and when they did they looked good. Ciaran Newlands was causing problems down the right side and Shane Finn was getting to grips with the midfield. Then our keeper Conor O'Farrell got injured as he went for a ball and contact with a player he went down and fell baldly there was no option but to bring him off Luke Smith was the man to step up and go in goal and he was only in 5 mins and the ref awarded a penalty to Passage it was a shocking decision Passage player takes a shot outside the box it hits off Sean O'Leary Hayes at massive speed and power Sean jumped to block it it hit the side of his body no and was raised or moved yet he awards a penalty but Luke smith made a massive save and it fired the lads up a bit, Passage made it very difficult for Midleton they kept a tight back four and with a small pitch Midleton found it hard to open them up but the away lads weren't trying to make space for themselves and this was the problem Passage were happy to sit in there and play a tight physical game as they were made up of physical players especially around the midfield area and Midleton are a football running at the ball and opening up gaps and make space but to night they never did this for most of the game and when they did do it it was easy to see Passage could not cope with there speed and there movement and it was from this that Midleton got the equaliser when Adam Wilson came through And took his goal well slotting it passed the keeper.

As the 2nd half got underway Midleton had settle down by this stage and were opening gaps Wilson came close to to getting a 2nd when he got a great ball through he ran through composed himself and with only the keeper to beat he hit it with power as the keeper started to come out Some how the keeper got a hand to it and put it on to the crossbar great save . But Midleton pushed on and again Wilson ran onto a ball him and the keeper the keeper took him straight out of the game and Midleton were awarded a penalty Ciaran Newlands stepped up imposed himself and put it to the side off the keeper a well taken penalty to make it 2-1. Passage pulled one back to level the score and for the rest of the game it was nail biting stuff Midleton had a chance right at the end to finish the game when Andrew Nestor got the ball inside the box he put it across goal but it was jus that little bit high and with a open goal Tommy O'Connell just couldn't get up for it. It's another point Midleton need three more points to win the league with three games left to play and they are three tough games and we have injury problems so we really have to pull up our socks and grinned this out. Tonight Shane Finn and Ciaran Newlands were outstanding there work rate brilliant Adam Wilson worked hard up front and made their keeper work ,Cahill gunning put in a good shift at the back along with Aaron Pendor and Sean O'Leary Hayes worked his socks off and a special mention for "our put on the spot new keeper" Luke Smith well done he took on a big task and saved the day with His penalty stopper

League away to Tramore Athletic on Saturday 10th May 2014 Tramore Athletic 1 Midleton 3 Midleton went headed to Douglas to take on Tramore Athletic in conditions that was not fit for any soccer match, games have been cancelled for a lot milder weather but the game went a head and both teams had to face the same conditions and it was Tramore who started of the strongest and took the lead in the first 10 mins from a corner. Midleton goalkeeper Conor O'Farrell who picked up a injury in the warm up was under pressure all through the game but managed to see it through but as the game went on Midleton got themselves together and Pulled one back when Adam Wilson fired it into the back of the net shortly after Andrew Nestor scored to give Midleton a 2-1 lead hen a shot was fired at goal and Nestor was quick to react.

At halftime Midleton made changes bringing on Aaron Pendor into centre back and pushing Sean O'Leary Hayes into the midfield Pendor who had been carrying a injury made a massive improvement to the defence and Oleary Hayes made a impact on the midfield and as the game went on Midleton got their 3rd goal a screamer from outside the box from Sean O'Leary Hayes to secure 3 points and gradually getting closer to the finishing line good result from Midleton they could have easily scored another 5 but due to the weather conditions this game could have went anyway today was not about football it was about survival it was impossible to play football in those strong winds and the lads gave there all well done Special mentions for Aaron Pendor, Evan O'Meara and Tommy O'Connell.

League away to Castleview on Saturday 3rd May 2014 Castleview 1 Midleton 8 Midleton headed to Castleview after a break of 2 weeks knowing 3 points were important to keep there hopes up if they had any chance of finishing top this season and boy did they put on a show, they made a mistake in the first 10 mins when Castleview took the lead from a corner but after that Midleton got their selves together and it was plain sailing after that they took the game to Castleview and even though the pitch was in poor condition Midleton played some great football spreading the ball wide and opening up Castleview all over the pitch again Mathew Lamb dictated the game from the Midfield and when castleview did make it up the field the Midleton back four where well In control with some superb clearances in the air from centre back Luke Smith and Aaron Pendor. As the game went on goals started to go in and the first was from Adam Wilson he scored two more for his hatrick , Ciaran Newlands was also on fire as he fired in a hatrick too and Shane Finn and Andrew Nestor added their names to the Score sheet too to make the score 8-1 the highest of the season so far.

A great performance from all the lads today they played some good football And matched Castleview physically all over the pitch our keeper Conor O'Farrell had not much to do but when called on he had it covered the lads really stood up to day and every one of them gave there all Ryan Dunleavy had a solid game at right back and Cahill Gunning never stop trying also along side Mathew Lamb was Sean O'Leary Hayes who had strong game and they all played for each other today a great display from every one, 5 games to go and no game is going to be easy in this league but if the lads give that heart and fight for the remainder of games they really have a chance of finishing on top.

Local Cup at home to Temple United on Saturday 12th April 2014 Midleton 1 Temple United 4 Midleton were up against premier side Temple Utd in the local cup after coming out of eight straight wins in a row but Temple brought the home side back down to earth and taught them that when you make the mistakes in your defending like Midleton did today you will be punished if you are to compete in the premier league. But the Midleton lads must be so annoyed with themselves after this as they were by far the better team they had at least 75% of the play if not 80% they created chance after chance and were excellent at pushing forward but for whatever reason their final ball or their finishing just didn't come off today.

Midleton's moving and passing going forward at times was the best of the season they had at least 12 to 15 chances that on other days have went into the back of the net. Dale Holland took a swipe at goals just out side the box and had the keeper beaten and blasted the crossbar that was early in the game and if that would have went in maybe the story might be different but at the other end. Temple all through the game only had about 5 or six shots on goal and one of them was a shot from over the halfway line yet they manage to score four goals from that. Midleton got a late goal with Ciaran Newlands there to put it in the back of the net. The positive side from this is we can compete with the premier teams going forward and on another day we would have I believe beat Temple and took our chances but Midleton have problems at the back and they have to improve quick they still have a league to compete for and if they want to compete in the premier next season the honest truth is there is a lot of work to be done at the back.

Today there were great displays from Dale Holland and Shane Finn gave his all also Mathew Lamb had another solid game and Ciaran Newlands had a man of the match display his run mining and closing down players and his link up with the two centre midfield and delivery off ball into the box was first class well done.

League at home to Fermoy on Saturday 29th March 2014 Midleton 3Fermoy 0 Midleton went to the top of the table after a comfortable 3-0 win over Fermoy at knockgriffin. It was a slow start to the game but Midleton had all the possession right through the game but found it hard to break down a well organised Fermoy back line with four at the back and one just sitting in front of them, the Midleton midfield were in command at all times as Mathew Lamb took control and dictated all around the centre playing a holding midfield roll, at the back Midleton didn't have much to deal with as the boys were always in control with centre backs Aaron Pender taken care of any ball that managed to break through and Cormac Higgins helped keep a tight line, but as the first half was coming to a end Midleton could still not break the dead lock and the problem was they where playing to tight a game and not making any space for themselves and making it easy for fermoy to defend and as the referee blew for halftime the score was 0-0.

As the 2nd half got underway the rain started to come down heavy and it stayed on for most of the 2nd half but Midleton knew they had a job to do and they got to work straight away they started to open up more and make space out wide and through the middle and 6 mins into the game they get thier reward it was a coaches dream goal, Midleton open up play from the middle of the park the ball is sent out wide to the left Andrew Nestor runs onto it he drives it down towards the box he then sends the perfect ball across goals to the back post and all the time Ciaran Newlands is running in reads the ball makes his jump and heads it low into the corner a great goal and great cross and its 1-0 to the home side, 10 mins later Midleton make it 2-0 another outstanding goal this time its all about quick passing Mathew Lamb gets the ball in the centre he moves forward with the ball looks up to see Adam Wilson pulling away from his marker he put the ball through the space Wilson runs onto it he heads towards goal he could have took the shot him self but sees Dale Holland to the side of him and squares it across to Holland who takes one strike with the side of his foot into the back of the net great goal and great movement, Midleton got a third from a corner kick, Newlands sends it into the box close to the front goal post and Tommy O'Connell gets a head to it it scrambles along the line and Connor O'Leary gets a touch to put it behind the line to make it 3-0 there was a bit of banter afterwards to who claimed the goal but sorry Tommy Conor gets the heads up on this one. a satisfying three points and a good 2nd half performance, strong performances from Evan O'Meara and Aaron Pender at the back also Andrew Nestor put in agood shift along with Adam Wilson but special mention for Ciaran Newlands who worked his socks of again and For man of the match Mathew Lamb probably his best game of the season so far he was invoved in most things that happend and the way he broke down thier midfield and dictated the area was outstanding what we have been looking for all season hopefully he can carry that on for the rest of the season.

League away to Mayfield United on Saturday 22nd March 2014 Mayfield United 3 Midleton 5 Another three important points for Midleton to come away with from a breezy Mayfield grounds. But the score didn't really reflect Midleton's play today It was a really shaky performance today from a defending point of view and that was just not from the back four it started from the striker right back to the defence simple things like closing players down we made it to easy for Mayfield to play the ball forward and when we had the opportunity to clear the ball from the back it just didn't happened they looked nervous. We were miss timing the ball we weren't getting there first to challenge for it but in saying that the positive side of things were that we did the job going forward. Adam Wilson was on form to score twice and it was great to see two goal's coming from set pieces Mathew Lamb scored twice with two header's from two corner kicks sent across perfectly from Ciaran Newlands and Newlands was there again to set up Conor O'Leary for 5th as he drove in to the box he looked up saw O'Leary and squared it across for O'Leary to slot it into the back of the net.

A great three points and it's giving Midleton a good chance of contending for top spot in this division but there is still a long way to go yet 7 games still to be played and the lads have to keep on there toes as there are still some tough games to be played yet. They have got to be more discipline at the back and all across the field Today there were to many players getting caught out of position especially In the midfield Which end up putting the defence under severe pressure and that happened just to many times again great result good work going forward but we have to be more discipline round the midfield area. Every player gave there all today at no stage did they stop trying but this score could easily have went the other way today and the only difference was the goalkeepers our keeper Conor O' was solid and at no fault for any of the three goals and he is man of the match.

Leagueat home to Blarney United on Saturday 15th March 2014 Midleton 1 Blarney United 0 A great day for football as the sun shined on Knockgriffin for this top of the table clash. Midleton lads started of very nervous and it took them 10 mins to settle but when they did get settled they were on top of this game till the end, visitors Blarney came with a game plan they played 5 at the back one just sitting in front of there back four and they knew Midleton would attack and were hoping to catch them on the break with the long ball which was a big part of there game but Midleton back four were outstanding they picked up any loose balls coming through from the middle of the park. Midleton attacked from both side of the pitch and tried to break through the middle too but it was a strong back line to break down Blarney's defence was so disciplined with Mathew Lamb sending through some great balls out to Ciaran Newlands on the right but Blarney kept there cool and it seemed Adam Wilson had his work to do if he was going open up there defence Shane Finn and Tommy O'Connell work hard in the midfield area brining Wilson and Andrew Nestor into the play but we just found it difficult to break Blarney down and about 30 mins into the game Nestor and Newlands swaps wings to see if we open the game up as it was all going down the right side but to no avail and the score stayed 0-0 at half time.

Not much change in the 2nd Half as Midleton kept the pressure on. Midleton made two changes bringing on Conor O'leary and Sean O'leary Hayes and switching the formation to a 4-4-2 pushing Andrew Nestor up front along side Adam Wilson and as the game went on Midleton started to open up Blarney and made a couple of chances which came close one with Adam Wilson through on the keeper but to no avail but Wilson got his chance again when a ball came right through the middle from Aaron Pendor. Wilson had only the keeper to beat and he made no mistake slotted it in to the back of the net great finish and you could see how much it meant to the lads as they all ran over to celebrate with him. But there was still work to do and they kept their cool and saw out the game with the most important three points of the season so far. But it was all nearly ruined as the referee gave a outragouse decision. Goalkeeper Conor O'Farrell went to kick the ball out with seconds left on the clock he got the ball composed himself and went to kick it up the field when the referee blows the whistle and penalises Conor for time wasting without any warning he gives a indirect free kick inside the penalty box we all know about this six second rule but I have never seen it being carried out to that degree before it was shocking not even a warning and in fairness the lad never took anymore than 6 seconds but in the end they hit it over the bar.

Every player today was outstanding even the subs who came on and went off those those substitutions were tactical decision and nothing more and goalkeeper Conor O'Farrell had another solid game he was on top of everything, but a special mention for Cormac Higgins man of the match great game did everything that was ask of and more. Brilliant win. Well done lads.

League at home toTramore Athletic on Wednesday 5th March 2014 Midleton 7 Tramore Athletic 2 A great night for the under 15s playing a mid week game under floodlight's but as the game got under way the rain came down and put a bit of a dampener on things but this didn't defer the home lads from doing their job and it wasn't long before they got on the score sheet with Andrew Nestor getting the first of seven, it didn't go all Midleton's way in the first half there were times they made it hard for themselves when defending the ball as they were a bit scrappy along the middle and the back but when they attacked they looked dangerous and Mathew Lamb was there for the 2nd. But just before halftime Midleton gave away a very sloppy penalty to take the score to 2-1 as they went in for the interval.

As the 2nd got started Midleton came out a more sharper team and right from the start they meant business from a great move Adam Wilson made it 3 and it was all Midleton from there on really, more goals came from Tommy O'Connell, Ciaran Newlands and Evan O'Meara then near the End Conor O'Leary assisted in making it 7 with a ball crossed over and the Tramore defender knocking it into the back of his own net, Tramore grab one back to make to make the final score 7-2 a good over all performance from the Midleton lads they all worked hard as a team a special mention for Shane Finn who's work rate was outstanding. Another great result and the opportunity was there to get all subs on and give them all a decent run.

League at home to Lakewood Athletic on Saturday 22nd February 2014 Midleton 1 Lakewood Athletic 0 It's been weeks since we saw a Cork Schoolboy's game at Knockgriffin due to all the bad weather we have been having but what a game to start with, with visitors Lakewood and the homeside Midleton knowing that for both teams this was a must 3 points both are up there contesting with Blarney for top spot and today Midleton came out on top just giving that bit more knowing it's not going to be easy that earlier in the season they had dropped three points to Lakewood at their patch. But as the game got under way Midleton attacked with a strong wind behind them which to be honest didn't suit there play, the pace of the ball was catching them for the first 10 min as Midleton had most of the possession it was a bit scrappy to start with but they settle down and we saw some great link up play with Mathew lamb and Ciaran Newlands, Newlands got down the right hands side and caused problems for the lake would defence sending some lovely balls into the box, up the other end Midleton defence had to be on their toe Has lake would had the ability to break and had a lively centre forward by the back four kept them at bay with a solid first half performance from centre back Aaron Pendor and Luke Smith on the left kept the Midleton keeper Conor O'Farrell with little to do in the 1st 40 mins

As the 2nd half got under way Midleton settle in quicker this Time they where playing into the wind and it suited there play, 5 mins into the game Midleton made changes and put some fresh legs replacing Andrew Nestor Conor O'Leary and also bringing on Sean O'Leary Hayes for Dara Murphy As the game went in both teams had there chances Midleton got that extra space down the left with Conor O'Leary picking the ball up deep in his own half and driving it forward, Midleton's came close when Adam Wilson got the ball squard it across the goals and Dale Holland when ran in got his touch but some how never made the back of the net then up the other end Lakewood broke through Where driving towards goal and Midleton keeper O'Farrell had to commit himself by coming out to meet the player the player put it past him but quick thinking from centre back Pendor got behind and cleared the ball before it reach the goals and another Lakewood player following it up. But Midleton's goal came 15 mins from time Lakewood keeper had a kick out but didn't clear it proper and Wilson was sharp on it he attack the ball into the box and put it past the keeper another great finish from Wilson especially when Under pressure. That's the way the game finish the whole team worked hard as a unit today Shane Finn linked up well with Lamb and Holland but special mention for the keeper Conor O'Farrell who kept his cool in the 2nd half when there Was pressure at times also Aaron Pendor at the back was solid as usual But two players stood out with a outstanding performance Ciaran Newlands big threat in the first half and his work rate in the 2nd half getting back to help the backs was great and man of the match Mathew lamb was involved in most things today he won the midfield battle and dictated the game from the middle and if your team wins the midfield 95% of the time they will win the game.

Local Cup at home to Leeds A on Saturday 18th January 2014 Midleton 5 Leeds A 0 Midleton made there way through to the next round of the local cup with ease as they put five goals by visitors Leeds. That said Leeds where no pushovers, they where quite a physical side and Midleton had to keep their heads together all through the game but they did that, and the goals where not long coming. First there were 2 goals from on form Adam Wilson then Dale Holland scored from the penalty spot and half way through the 2nd half Shane Finn scored to make it four and then just before the end Andrew Nestor made it 5, a good team performance especially the back four and the keeper who kept a clean sheet. A special mention for Dara Murphy who had a good game at the back. They are playing well as a team unit and hopefully they can contain that for the rest of the season.

League away to Park United on Saturday 11th Januray 2014 Park United 1 Midleton 2 Midleton travelled to Mitchelstown to take on Park Utd after a long break due to bad weather conditions and the Christmas holidays. The game was 30 mins late kicking off and there was questions weather the game should have went ahead at all due to the conditions of the pitch. The pitch was not the best and it being so wet it didn't help as the grounds were very soft and the grass was as long as I have ever seen a pitch for playing soccer. But both teams got on with it. Midleton won the advantage of attacking towards the slope in the pitch and this work in favour for the away side as on fire Adam Wilson bagged two goals in the first half. The 2nd was a peach, he took a shot from the corner of the box and slotted it into the top corner. He came close to getting a third. It went into the back of the net but the ref called for off side and there was no complaints. All through the first half it was all Midleton they worked hard as a team. With Shane Finn and Mathew lamb working hard across the middle, Andrew Nestor had a solid performance along the left side Midleton tried to get that third goal it before halftime as they knew that Park would have the advantage in the 2nd half. Ciaran Newlands came close as he battled his way into the box beating two players but as he got to the keeper he lost control and only got a toe to it for it to go wide.

As the 2nd half got under way it became a more difficult game For Midleton as they found themselves under pressure as Park had the advantage of the massive slope on the pitch the Midleton lads at the back had to work really hard. Cormac Higgins and Sean O'Leary Hayes worked there socks off as did Luke Smith and Ryan Dunleavy but again goal keeper Conor O'Farrell was called on to make some fine saves but as the game went on. The Park found their way back into the game as the defence let there guard down to pull it back to 2-1. Newlands came close again in the 2nd half with a free kick to make it 3 but the Park keeper got a tip to it and just got it over the bar and 2-1 it stay a really tough and scrappy game for the lads but they got the three points and deservedly so, every player gave their all and worked their socks off in shocking conditions but new comer Shane Finn was outstanding he never stopped and he gets man of the match.

League at home to Mayfield United on Saturday 24th November 2013 Midleton 1 Mayfield United 2 Midleton blew another chance to close the gap on leaders Blarney with a shock defeat at home to Mayfield who were sitting 2nd from the bottom of Div 1. A poor performance from the home side from start to finish. Really nothing positive can be taken from this game. Mayfield scored first when Midleton lost the ball out side the box The Mayfield midfielder struck the ball out side the box into the top corner. 10 mins later Midleton get the equaliser when the ball breaks through the middle it's laid off to Ciaran Newlands at the side of the box he takes a touch drives it forward and see's the the gap and takes his strike a well taken goal a from the side of the box.

As they got the 2nd half started it didn't get any better for Midleton. They where just never up for this one and 10 mins in to the game Mayfield take the lead. A Mayfield player left at the back post the ball comes across and he had all the time in the world to slot it into the back of the net shocking defending from the home side. And it stayed that way till the final whistle. A really bad day for Midleton. These are the games they really want to be winning if they want to be up there at the end fighting for the number one spot.

League away to Blarney United on Saturday 16th November 2013 Blarney United 0 Midleton 0 Midleton headed off to Blarney for a top of the table clash and will feel that they should have had all three points in the bag rather than coming away with just a point after this scrappy tight but very entertaining game. There were no goals today but Midleton had there chances and they played the better football all through the game from start to finish, they where much Stronger in the middle of the field and the back four Ryan Dunleavy, Aaron Pendor, Cormac Higgins and Luke Smith where as solid and organised as I have ever saw them this season and just behind Conor O'Farrell who really had not much to do but looked really confident when called on. Midleton really took the game to Blarney but they just couldn't get that final ball right the pace of the ball on the all-weather didn't really suit the visitors.

In the 2nd half Midleton kept pushing at Blarney and 5 mins into the game Conor O'Leary breaks through with only the keeper to beat and he took his chance but the keeper was already diving to the side and was able to block it it was Midleton's best chance they had another few but to no avail. Blarney never really caused Much problems in the 2nd half it was really all Midleton putting on the pressure Adam Wilson work hard around the box along side Andrew Nestor up front but the two lads just didn't get much luck with the ball in front of goal as the game stayed 0-0. It was a great performance from all the lads as for effort and fighting spirits they really gave there all and deserved more from the game but if given a point before the game we would have grab it it\'s very tough to go to blarney on the Astra turf and come away with three points We have been in the same league as Blarney in the four years of schoolboys league and have still to take 3 points from them at their ground But they have never taken 3 points from us at knockgriffin either so you always sure of good game when both sides meet up. Now we just have to keep our consistency and grind out the results and I'm sure we will be up there with a shout at the end of the Season.

League at home to Passage United on Saturday 9th November 2013 Midleton 1 Passage United 0 Midleton took all three points from a very entertaining game and three points that puts them back into 2nd place just behind Blarney. This was no easy game Passage came hoping they would come away with A victory and they gave their all and didn't make anything easy for the home side, Midleton definitely had more of the ball and created more in the first half with Adam Wilson working hard out in the left of midfield and in the middle you had Mathew Lamb dictating the game a fine performance from Start to finish. It was 20 mins into the game when Midleton got their break The ball came to Dale Holland outside the box he lobbed it to the right side just inside the box and Ciaran Newlands drove into the box caught it and brought it down with his chest took a touch and under pressure from the defender and only keeper to beat he slotted to the side of the keeper and into the back of the net and well taken goal to give Midleton the lead.

In the 2nd half passage got more of the ball and started to create more Chances they could have scored on two occasion only for Luke Smith to clear it of the Line and some great goalkeeping from Conor O'Farrell who looked confident all through the game. There were no more goals on the day Midleton stuck there heals in a defended well with our two centre back Aaron Pendor and Cormac Higgins every player played their part today Lamb was outstanding in the centre of midfield as was Newlands out on the right who gave his all Dale Holland was involved in most of play and getting stronger all the time but today's man of the match could have went to any of these players but their was one more player who gave his all and never gave up and did very little wrong all game. With a outstanding display and he gets man of the match Ryan Dunleavy he really is improving all the time Well done Ryan.

National Cup at home to Wilton United on Saturday 19th October 2013 Midleton 0 Wilton United 5 A day the Midleton lads will want to forget very quickly right from the start Wilton dictated the game and all over the pitch they looked more comfortable on the ball, Midleton had a couple of chances in the first half to bring them back into the game but with no luck in the end the better team win. But Midleton were not at there best and when you play teams as good as Wilton you have to be up for it as they will punish you if you don't give your all as was seen today it was only a few weeks ago Midleton played Wilton in a pre season match and beat them. Hopefully we will get over this result quickly and put in a challenge for the league.

League away to Lakewood Athletic on Saturday 12th October 2013 Lakewood Athletic 4 Midleton 3Midleton lost there first league match of the season to a well organised Lakewood side. For the first 15 mins Lakewood were on top they put Midleton defence under pressure right from the start but after 15 mins Midleton pulled them self together and got themselfs into the game, Mathew Lamb started to get to grip with the game in the Middle of the park and Ciaran Newlands started to break forward more and you could see gaps in the Lakewood defence and 18mins into the game Midleton took the lead the ball broke through the middle it was picked up by Adam Wilson and he lay the ball through to Newlands who sprinted on and with only the keeper to beat kept his composure and slotted it into the net for Midleton to take the lead 1-0, but Midleton let it slip and 10 mins later Lakewood got the equaliser and thats the way it stayed till half time.

As the 2nd Half Got underway Midleton came out strong they made a few chances and you could see if the could just make them connect Lakewood where there for the taking and ten mins gone Midleton attack into the Lakewood box and Andrew Nestor who took a knock halfway through the first half and couldn't shake it off was ready to come off got a touch to the ball as it scrambled around the goal area and he struck it into the back off the net for Midleton to take the lead for the 2nd time.But again Midleton go and let Lakewood straight back into the game 2 mins later crasy stuff, it gave Lakewood the edge for the rest off the game and they go on and score another two, 8 mins to go Midleton pull one back and it brought them back into the game but they just couldn't get the equaliser and Lakewood took all three points. a hard one to take when you score three goals and still lose but its early stages and hopefully its something we can look at and work on for the coming season. Again another solid performance from Aaron Pendor at the back his work rate and his focus stood out at the back and also Mathew Lamb had another solid performance along side Man of the Match Ciaran Newlands who's work rate was outstanding and a constent threat on the ball heading towards the penalty box.

National Cup at home to Strand United on Saturday 5th October 2013 Midleton 7 Strand United 0 Midleton cruzed through to the next round of national cup with a convincing win against Strand Utd. Goals from Dale Holland, Ciaran Newlands, Conor O'Leary, Andrew Nestor and Adam Wilson set them up for their 2nd round tie against Wilton Utd. All over the pitch there where good performances from the lads, at the back Evan O'Meara look comfortable at right back as did Luke Smith out on the left. Cormac Higgins played well along with Aaron Pender in the centre. Goalkeeper Conor O'Farrell who did not have much to do but when called on looked confident and kept another clean sheet as Strand just found Midleton just to strong all over the pitch. Conor O'leary played another good game and added two goals to his tally before he was replaced in the 2nd half with Naill Hill also the two strikers worked well together Nestor and Wilson both could easily had a scored a hatrick today. But a special mention to Aaron Pendeor at the back who pick up a lot of loose ball and to Mathew Lamb and Ciaran Newlands who worked their socks off and where involved in most of the goals great display well done lads and. Looking forward to the next round where the opponents will definetly be a bigger test.

League at home to Park United on Saturday 21st September 2013 Midleton 1 Park United 0 Another three points For Midleton,but definetly the hardest three points to date this season against a strong Park Utd. Midleton started off well right from the start only 3 mins into the game Adam Wilson broke through on goal from a lovely ball through the middle from Mathew Lamb but as he came face to face with the Park Utd keeper who had a outstanding game he put it to the side of him and it just narrowly past the post, Midleton had other chances to Ciaran Newlands came close when he went up for a header from a corner and later had a shot on goal inside the box but to no avail and also came close with a free kick out side the box, Mathew Lamb and a couple of shots at goal too but Midleton just couldn't break the dead lock in the first half through a Park Utd well organised back four. Up the other end Midleton kept park at bay with the back four of Cian Murray, Aaron Pendor, Luke Smith and Daragh Murphy, Murphy who had to go off only 20 mins into the game after injuring his knee was replaced by Cahill Gunning, but Park Utd where kept at bay most of their chances came from shots out side the box which was down to the Midleton lads working there Socks off at the back.

For the 2nd half Midleton made a change bringing on Conor O'Leary for Ciaran Newlands, the 2nd half wasn't any different Both teams worked hard and it was going to be a only goal that seperated them. As the game went on Midleton started to Dominate around the middle of the park and any ball that was coming through was pick up by Cormac Higgins who played a roll just in front of the back four he really worked his socks off today but all the hard work was starting to pay as midleton where starting to open up Park Utd at the back and their chance came when the ball was put through into the box Nestor layed off a little flick to Conor O'Leary who looked up slotted it into the back of the net a well taken goal. and thats how it stayed to the end three well deserved points for Midleton. A great performance from the lads but sometimes its hard to pick a man of the match when you have so many playing well but Aaron Pendor stood out at the back today his work rate was outstanding a great addition to the team this season.

League away to Ringmahon Rangers on Saturday 14th September 2013 Ringmahon Rangers 2 Midleton 5 Midleton headed for Mahon for their 2nd league game of the season against a very phisyical Ringmahon Rangers and came home with all 3 points and kept their 100% record. As the game got under way it took Midleton 10 mins to get into but when they did they didn't let go of the game and played the better football right through th match with the first goal coming from from Andrew Nestor as the ball scramble around the six yard area Nestor was in the right place at the right time, he followed on with a 2nd And Adam Wilson got his name to the score sheet with what he does best breaking through and coming in on a one v one with the keeper and taking his composure and slotting it into the back of the net, he followed up with a 2nd from the penalty spot to take the tally to four and then Mathew Lamb scored a screamer from a free kick out side the box to make it 5.

But Ringmahon where always at the back of their heals as they kept pulling goals back and this is probably where Midleton have to do there work in getting tighter at the back and working as a unit but take nothing away from the result a fine performance from the lads as this was real physical game the back four did work hard especially Aaron Pendor who has just joined the team and has settled into the centre back roll with Luke Smith who has also took on a new roll at the back and it's only better these two lads will get the more game time they play with each other, also at the back Darragh Murphy new to the team and Cian Murray did well. So a great result and also a good performance from Conor O'Farrell in goals and good to see the forwards getting on the score sheet great performance from all.

League at home to Castleview on Saturday 7th September 2013 Midleton 3 Castleview 2 Midleton's first league game of the season was a home tie agains visitors Castleview. The home side started of strong and moved the ball about with confidence and only 15 mins gone in the game the home side take the lead Ciaran Newlands picks the ball up down the right side and drives forward into the box takes on a defender and beats him looks up to see Mathew Lamb and plays it across to him and Matt strikes it into the back of the net. 1-0 Midleton. Midleton looked the better of the two team in the first 25 min but gradually Castleview where coming back into the match and 1-0 mins before halftime Castleview equalised from some sloppy defending from the home side and it stayed that way till halftime.

As the 2nd half got under way Castleview came out the stronger and where getting forward more and had a couple close chances and as the game went on Castleview crossed a ball across the box and the Midleton centre backs didn't deal with it and they payed the price. It was 1-2 Castleview. But the home side kept their heads up and for the last 15 mins they got on top again and gave there all and 4 mins to go they get their equaliser, a ball scrambles in the box falls to Andrew Nestor and hits the target to make it 2-2. As soon as Castleview took kick off Midleton pressure on Castleview to win the ball back straight away. Never gave up and in the last minute Midleton got there reward and three points Mathew Lamb gets the ball at the edge of the box takes on two players to get inside the box sees Andrew Nestor with a bit of space lays it off to him and Nestor looks up and take his shot and blasts it into the net and it's 3-2 Midleton a great fighting spirit from the lads to get 3 important points to start the season great performance today from Mathew Lamb & Ciaran Newlands they never stop all through the game well done Lads.

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